I'm want to be able to put in a larger compressor (looking at the Belaire 318VN from Len) in my detached garage. I rent the home not own so putting in a sub panel or changing anything in the main one is out of the question.

There are two double pole breakers in the main panel. One of the Central AC (hardwired) and one for the Electric Range. I have a gas dryer so no 230 lovin there. So it looks like the Electric Range is the only one open to me.

Now here is where I am confused. I know I can run an extension cord from the receptcal to the garage (yes I know to watch the wire gauge for voltage drop) but the compressor is rated at 22 FLA whereas the the breaker at the panel is 40 amps.

I'm thinking that a 40 amp breaker on a 22 amp circuit is too big, it'll never "pop" when it's supposed to. So how can I get a 30 amp breaker in-line or at the garage end of the line.

Second question. The new NEC wiring code calls for all 220/230/240 receptacle's to have 2 hots. a neutral, and a ground. That's how the one is for my Range. The compressor I'm imagining won't use the neutral and just have two hot's and a ground.

So would I need a three or two wire configuration for this project.

TIA

Greg